Who is Participating?

I just recently migrated a domain from 2003 to 2012. Yes you can do it, you just have to ensure your domain functional level is at 2003 (meaning there are no Server 2000 in your domain).

You can always post here if you have any issues as there are many competent posters who can all help figure out any issues. However, if you really want a "live" person to call there are always local MSP's (depending on your location) that would be willing to lend a hand.

There is really not much to worry about. So long as your Forest and Domain Functional levels are at Windows 2003, it is a simple matter of adding the 2012 Server and adding the Role that adds the server as a domain controller. Server 2012 will take care of the remainder with regards to preparing the domain.

After you get the server added as a domain controller. Then your primary concerns are DNS, replication, FSMO and DHCP (of these, DNS and replication are, usually, handled automatically).

I have done a *ton* of 2003 to 2012 migrations recently. You'd think server 2003's extended support was ending soon or something!

The process itself is pretty rock-solid, but just like any migration, the health of the old server is singularly the biggest item that can predict success or failure and 2012 does nothing significant to change that...for better or worse.

As far as remote vendors, keep in mind that EE policies don't allow experts to solicit work or promote specific companies for such things. We have a code of ethics we agree to in order to participate here. However there are plenty of listserv's, google and yahoo groups, and other similar communities that cater to the IT Pro, and several that have smaller sub-categories (small business IT Pro, VAR/VAP, MSP, etc) and you can quickly lurk and see which remote service providers are "reputable" and are active in the community as well as have garnered a solid reputation. They are out there, and not too tough to find.

Can I upgrade 2 DCs to 2012, but keep them running as DOMAIN functional level 2003, FOREST functional level 2000 until I close down my 3rd location in 60 days so I don't have to upgrade this 2003 machine ?